Читать книгу Canyoning in the Alps. Graded routes in Northern Italy and Ticino, Austria, Slovenia and the Valais Alps онлайн

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DSLRs obviously need more sturdy protection. The most convenient is a Peli Case or similar. Plastic sandwich bags are a cheap and effective way of keeping the spray off the camera while in use, and travel towels are a good way to dry hands and lenses. Always use a clear filter to protect the lens (look out for ones with a waterproof coating – others deteriorate quickly).

Mountain rescue, local healthcare and insurance

All the countries in this guide provide an excellent mountain rescue service, but in most of continental Europe mountain rescue is not free. If a rescue is called, you will be charged, usually a considerable sum. Therefore, it is important to be adequately insured. Suitable insurance can be obtained through (for example) the British Mountaineering Council or the UK branch of the Austrian Alpine Club. Other insurers may also cover canyoning, but it would be well worth a detailed check of the terms and conditions as the sport is not well known in the UK.

Canyoning injuries are reasonably commonplace, and (with a lack of mobile phone reception in canyons) rescue is often a long way off. First-aid knowledge (and a first-aid kit) is therefore invaluable. There are many excellent courses available that have a specific slant on wilderness medicine. It is important for teams to be adequately equipped and resourceful, and to have sufficient skills to deal with lesser emergencies themselves. Mountain rescue should be considered only as a last resort for major emergencies.